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I am quite sure that there is a word for a symbol which was originated by a real-life, physical prototype but has since then outlived its origin.

Most notable example: the save button with floppy drive on it. Also, to a lesser degree, envelopes in email clients, and so on.

The "anachronism" or "metonymy" are close, but not exactly what I'm searching for.

Catherine
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  • I think the ampersand & is another example of this; it's Latin et in joined-together letters, but we don't use Latin any more. – Mark Beadles Feb 06 '12 at 12:23

4 Answers4

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A skeuomorph is "a derivative object that retains ornamental design cues to a structure that was necessary in the original."

Brett Reynolds
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    You could always go for broke and coin skeuoglyph! – FumbleFingers Feb 06 '12 at 14:59
  • Good word; but it seems to be the opposite of what OP is looking for. Skeuomorphs are used to make the new seem familiar by incorporating familiar, but non-functional design. OP refers to symbols whose appearance is no longer familiar, but whose meanings are retained. – Dave Feb 06 '12 at 15:27
  • @Dave, I think you've misread the definition of skeuomorph. While "make the new seem familiar" is one possible aspect of a skeuomorph, in overall sense the word applies well. See examples in "Digital skeuomorphs" section of referenced article. – James Waldby - jwpat7 Feb 06 '12 at 17:56
  • Thanks a whole lot!! It's what I have been searching for. – Catherine Feb 06 '12 at 18:43
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Are you looking for "relic"? I appreciate that it can mean more than just a symbol.

  • 'can mean more than just a symbol.': 'relic' is not a symbol in the first place. Nor for that matter is 'vestige.' – Kris Feb 06 '12 at 08:48
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You can say the symbol is outmoded, since, for example, the floppy disk icon represents a mode of storage no longer in use.

Gnawme
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0

I would suggest using "memento".

ray
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